Q and A with: Augustana occupational therapy student Tamara Dubé

Tamara Dubé

As an elementary teacher, Tamara Dubé spent six years teaching in Alberta and New Zealand.

Now, as a master of science in occupational therapy student on the Augustana campus at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, she’s turning her passion for advocacy and holistic care into a new career path. A proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dubé wants to help bridge the gap in health care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

We asked her about her journey to occupational therapy, her determination and the role she sees occupational therapy playing in supporting Indigenous communities.

Can you share more about your journey to pursuing a master of science in occupational therapy? What inspired the career change?

During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a developmental aide with children with autism and their families, providing support after school and on weekends in home and community settings. I learned strategies from therapists alongside parents and then helped families implement them while working directly with the children. This hands-on experience introduced me to occupational therapy and gave me a strong foundation in play-based learning, individualized support and collaborative problem-solving within an interdisciplinary team.

I spent six years teaching across Treaty 6, 7 and 8 territories in Alberta and internationally in Aotearoa New Zealand, working alongside occupational therapists who supported my students with fine motor challenges, sensory needs and self-regulation strategies. I worked with so many incredible occupational therapists, but I have never worked alongside an Indigenous OT, even though I was in rural and Indigenous communities. Over time, I saw the impact OTs had not just in schools but across different areas of life. I felt fulfilled in teaching but not entirely. The more I learned about OT, the more I felt drawn to it. I wanted to support people in ways that extended beyond the classroom and across the lifespan. Eventually, I took the leap into OT, knowing it would allow me to continue advocating for people while helping them regain independence in meaningful ways.

What challenges did you face in your journey?

One of the biggest challenges was being the first person in my family to complete a post-secondary degree. Without guidance or support, I had to figure out everything on my own. It was overwhelming at times and there were moments when I felt lost, but I kept pushing forward. Along the way, I met incredible people who supported me. Professors, mentors and peers became my network, and their encouragement reminded me that I was not alone.

This journey has been about more than earning degrees. It has been about the people I’ve met and experiences I have had along the way. It has been about breaking barriers, proving to myself that I belong in these spaces, and making it easier for those who will come after me. I have learned to ask for help when I need it and to take up space in places where Indigenous voices are often missing.

What drew you to occupational therapy? How does OT align with your passion for holistic care?

Occupational therapy embraces a whole-person approach, recognizing that our environments play an important role, and that well-being is not just about physical health but also mental, emotional and spiritual health.

These aspects align closely with the Medicine Wheel and Indigenous ways of knowing, where everything is interconnected. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, OT considers the larger picture of how a person engages in their daily life, environment and what is meaningful to them. This approach resonates with me because healing is not just about recovery, but about restoring balance and purpose.

I also value building strong relationships. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and understanding what is important to them. OT is not about applying the same solution to everyone because health and healing are not one-size-fits-all. It is about working alongside individuals to find creative, personalized ways to improve their quality of life. It allows me to be both an advocate and a problem solver, helping people overcome barriers and participate in the activities that bring them joy, independence and a sense of fulfilment.

How do you see occupational therapy playing a role in supporting Indigenous communities?

Occupational therapy has the potential to make a significant impact in Indigenous communities by providing services that address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Many Indigenous communities face limited access to health care, and OT can help fill this gap by promoting independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Indigenous health is often viewed through a holistic lens; occupational therapy is well-suited to integrate land-based interventions, traditional practices and culturally meaningful occupations into therapy.

Beyond individual therapy, OTs can play an important role in addressing systemic issues. Their work includes advocating for accessible housing, removing barriers to employment and education, and supporting community-led wellness programs. Cultural safety is essential in this work. It is about listening, learning and adapting care to align with the communities’ values and needs. By working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, OTs can create services that are not only effective but also culturally respectful and empowering.

What have been the most fun, rewarding and the most challenging parts of your OT studies so far?

This semester, we are working on an integrated learning assignment, where we have been provided with a case study for a client that connects to assignments in all of our courses. This experience has been fun because it requires us to think critically about client-centred care while applying concepts from different areas of our coursework. We have also had the opportunity to interview someone acting as our client twice this semester, giving us valuable experiences in communication, assessment and treatment planning. 

Spending time with my Augustana cohort has also been a highlight. There are only 16 of us, which is tiny in comparison to Edmonton's 97 OT students and Calgary's 32 OT students, but it is perfect for me. We have a great mix of people from different backgrounds and the small campus has created a strong sense of community. We have all been incredibly supportive of each other throughout the program. The environment has contributed to my success.

There are also 16 students in both the SLP and PT programs, meaning that together, our group of 48 has taken over the lower level of the library. We stay connected through a WhatsApp group. This week, we are having a game night, which I am really looking forward to! I feel as though you get to know people on a deeper level in a small group, which has been a huge plus.

One of the best parts has been hands-on learning. Our labs and assignments are practical, making them engaging and relevant. Last Friday, we tested out power wheelchairs and scooters at the Camrose mall for our lab, which gave us insight into what it feels like to navigate public spaces using mobility devices. 

I have also had the chance to apply my previous teaching experience meaningfully. My background in lesson planning helped structure a mental health session plan while my experience in writing individualized program plans translated seamlessly into developing client-centred goals and treatment plans. It has been rewarding to see how the skills I built as a teacher directly apply to OT, reinforcing that this career change was the right decision.

The biggest challenge has been adjusting from being a teacher to being a student again. Going from leading a classroom to sitting in one has been a major shift, and finding a new rhythm has taken time. Balancing coursework, placements and life responsibilities has also been an adjustment, but I know that all of this hard work will be worth it because I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

What would you say to other Indigenous students considering the OT program?

We need you! Indigenous representation in OT is still so small and we need more Indigenous OTs to create a health-care system that is culturally safe and responsive.

If you are considering OT, know that you belong in this profession. Your experiences, knowledge and voice matter, and you bring valuable perspectives that can help shape the future of health care.

The OT program has an Indigenous Focus Group, which has been an incredible space for students to connect, learn and share experiences. There is also an Indigenous liaison, who started in this new role in the fall and has been an amazing support.

One of my professors said on our first day that we are not just learning for ourselves but for the people and communities we will serve. That sentiment has stayed with me and I reflect on it daily. If you are thinking about OT, reach out, ask questions and seek support. What we are doing by being here is so much bigger than us.